Lee Newman, PhD, Assistant Professor, SUNY College of Environmental
Science and Forestry
Dr. Newman’s research interests involve the use of plants to deal with
environmental problems. The most common form of this is
phytoremediation, which is the use of plants to clean up environmental
contaminants. She is interested in the growth of plants for the
production of energy; biomass, ethanol and biodiesel. Dr. Newman has
done research in environmental toxicity resulting from plant exposure
to toxicants, constructed wetland remediation, using microbes to
enhance remediation potential of plants, using native plants for
remediation and restoration, the role of plants in monitored natural
attenuation and carbon sequestration. Currently Dr. Newman is looking
at the genetic interaction between plants and nanoparticles and how
the uptake of nanoparticles can impact other organism and also
studying the use of hyperspectral imaging to track environmental
pollution uptake by plants. A major area of research is the interactions between plants and
endophytic bacteria. In addition to increasing phytoremediation potential, these biological interactions
are proving to enhance biomass production, increase drought resistance, and have a significant
implant on floral development and fruit production, which can have major impacts on bioenergy
production as well as crop productivity in marginal soils.
Dr. Newman received her PhD from Rutgers University and the Robert Wood Johnson Medical School
in 1993.